The world stopped.
Damon stood at the edge of the training grounds, his face a mask of devastation. Behind him, I could see the gathered pack—Marta with her hand over her mouth, Finn pale and wide-eyed, warriors and elders and families all staring at us with expressions of shock and betrayal.
Caleb's hands were still wrapped around mine. I felt him tense, felt him start to pull away, but I couldn't let go. Couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.
"So." Damon's voice carried across the silence, flat and hollow. "This is how I find out. Not from you. Not in private. But here, in front of everyone, with my Beta's hands on my mate."
"Caleb released me then, stepping back, his face ashen. "Damon, let me explain—"
"Explain what?" Damon's voice cracked. "That you've been sneaking behind my back? Tha
